Special Needs Care in Schools, Homes, and via Teletherapy.
Professional Training for New Pediatric Therapists and Assistants.
FOCUSED ON NEW LICENSED GRADUATES
0•8 Physical Therapy (PT, PTA)
• Occupational Therapy (OT, COTA)
• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP, SLPA)
3-4 WEEK COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING
• Fully online course or hybrid program with teletherapy and in-person shadowing sessions
EXPERT GUIDANCE
• Ask questions, engage in discussions, and learn directly from expert instructor therapists
READY TO WORK
• Gain practical experience in real-world settings with hands-on shadowing
• Build your pediatric therapy career on a strong foundation
SENSORY WORKOUT PROGRAM
• Enhance clinical performance with specialized training in sensory integration techniques
AC PROSTART EMPLOYMENT NETWORK
• Connect with Florida’s top therapy providers
• Receive specialized support to secure a job in your region
> Step into Pediatric Therapy for Special Needs Children
AC ProStart enhances the posture and communication skills of new graduates, preparing them to work with young patients in schools, homes, or through teletherapy. With expertise in selecting, hiring, training, and integrating new therapists and assistants into care teams, the course instructors focus on the core essentials of supporting children with developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions.
> Foundational Training
The foundational modules include audio lessons and handouts, covering key areas such as interdisciplinary collaboration, safety and risk management, assistive technology, and more. The program also explores sensory integration techniques that enhance therapy effectiveness for special needs care.
> Flexible Shadowing Program
The program offers 10 shadowing sessions over 2 to 3 weeks with flexible schedules, available fully online or in a hybrid model with in-person sessions in South Florida. Newly licensed therapists and assistants can observe real sessions, assist, and engage in discussions with the instructor therapists to review and reflect at the end of each session.
> AC ProStart Employment Network
Beyond specialized practical training, the program offers career counseling and job placement support, connecting newly licensed professionals with top pediatric therapy providers in Florida. AC ProStart prepares professionals dedicated to special needs care to enter the workforce, providing access to high-level teams and assisting them in securing their first contracted positions.
Sponsorship Grant Application Form
Apply here for Sponsorship Grant to cover up to 90% of the course fee.
Key Sponsor:
• Level 2 Background Check to be initiated at the beginning of the course
• Necessary for both shadowing sessions and future employment
• Mandatory for Florida healthcare professionals
• Required for working with vulnerable patients
• Application handled by the partner therapy provider
• Valid for 5 years
• Introduction to Amee Cohen OT/L
• Overview of the ProStart program and its resources
• Training expectations and goals
• Key steps to show professionalism in healthcare
• Core values of professionalism
• Professional practices and growth
• Confidentiality and DEI
• Communication skills
• Building trust and understanding needs
• Navigating challenging situations
• Interprofessional communication
• Best practices in documentation
• Understanding Special Needs
• Foundational skills for therapists
• Building trust and engagement
• Understanding and using social referencing
• Early Intervention
• Therapy and classroom integration
• Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
• Facilitating collaboration and communication
• Understanding roles and responsibilities
• Fostering a collaborative environment
• Knowledge of Human Development
• Age-Appropriate Patient Management
• Family-Centered Care
• Health Promotion and Safety
• Legislation, Policy, and Systems
• Exploring the fundamentals of Speech, Physical, Occupational, and ABA Therapy
• Multidisciplinary approach and therapy synergy
• Understanding and assessing sensory challenges
• Applying sensory techniques
• Maximizing therapy outcomes with sensory regulation
• Sensory diet and visual schedule in schools
• Foundations and practical approaches
• Key strategies and multisensory exercises
• How a session is performed
• Safety considerations in special needs care
• Environmental assessment
• Managing safety concerns
• Identifying risks and reporting concerns
• Types of assistive technologies and their benefits
• Assessing the need and implementing AT
• Educational impact and school environment adaptations
• Orthotic needs in pediatric care
• Assessing the advantages and limitations of teletherapy
• Getting ready for the session
• Essential skills for virtual therapists
• Best practices for engaging pediatric patients
• Current trends and opportunities
• Creating impactful resumes and preparing for job interviews
• Networking and professional development
• The importance of mentorship
• Register for 10 shadowing sessions after completing episodes and quizzes
• Sessions conducted online or in person
• Guided by expert instructor therapists
• Focus on evaluation and treatment of children with special needs
• Specialized job placement assistance upon course completion
• Support in securing positions with top therapy providers in Florida
• Focus on connecting new grads with high-level professional teams
• Assistance in securing initial contracted roles in pediatric special needs